Are you looking to become a dental hygienist in the fastest way possible? If so, you're in luck! With the right dedication and commitment, you can complete all the requirements for an associate degree in dental hygiene in as little as two years if you are a full-time student. A part-time student can finish in about three years. So, what does a dental hygienist do? As a dental hygienist, you will be responsible for cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, evaluating for gum infection and periodontal disease, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and providing home dental care instructions. You will also be consulting with dentists on a regular basis.
In order to become a dental hygienist, you must first graduate from a university dental hygiene program. There are 13 universities in Illinois that offer such programs. If you want to learn more about a career in dental hygiene, you can find more information here. Demand for dental services is expected to increase as the population ages and as research continues to link oral health to general health.
If you want to become a dentist, you must have a university degree and graduate from an accredited dental school.
